My son and I had novels in common when he was younger. I mean stories we both loved so much that the characters and worlds became a part of who we were. This mutual enjoyment contributed a lot to our relationship.

The key thing about these stories is that we both read them on our own. In other words, he didn't read Narnia because I wanted him to, nor did I read it because he wanted me to. We made the decision to read independent of what the other person preferred.

He is a teenager now, and everything has changed. He can't stand the Christian bookstore, and how can I blame him? It is feminine, even effeminate. The Christian novels are essentially all written for women. And the novels he reads now (all secular) I have no interest in. Sure, I can force myself to read one of his books every now and then, but that is the point - I am under compulsion. Thus reading the story does not really build our relationship. There is no real sharing of worlds or characters.

Are there Christian novels that a (very bright) teenage boy and his mother would both choose to read on their own (without knowing that the other person was making the same choice)?

I do so miss having this in common._________________Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter East.

I appreciate your comments. I may force myself to read Inkspell in the next year, though I can't say I'm really looking forward to it.

The Left Behind books are Premillennial (meaning they present a pessimistic view of the church's future). We hold to what is called a Postmillennial eschatology (meaning an optimistic view of the church's future). So I am not really interested in reading the Left Behind books (besides, what I read of the first novel in the series revealed mediocre writing skills; surely Christians can write better than this!).

Is there a Reformed alternative to Left Behind? Is there a new C. S. Lewis? Something? Anything? We can't all be stuck in the escapism of period romances and end-times novels! Lewis wrote fantasy and science fiction, but none of it was escapist.

Shouldn't Christians be writing the best fiction in the world, given our supposed commitment to excellence and doing all things to the glory of God? Why are we so saccharine? So unremarkable?_________________Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter East.

Is there a Reformed alternative to Left Behind? Is there a new C. S. Lewis? Something? Anything? We can't all be stuck in the escapism of period romances and end-times novels! Lewis wrote fantasy and science fiction, but none of it was escapist.

Shouldn't Christians be writing the best fiction in the world, given our supposed commitment to excellence and doing all things to the glory of God? Why are we so saccharine? So unremarkable?

I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions to offer. I avoid the Christian bookstores like the plague for much the same reasons as you've described.

Concerning your last paragraph... Christians writers SHOULD be putting out excellent novels. Though, in their defense, I haven't sought many of them out. THe ones I have read have been terribly disappointing.

I have some thoughts on the saccharine/unremarkable quality... I had the misfortune of settling into a church that called themselves Southern Baptist with a Pentecostal flare. They were not recognized by any outside organization, however. After spending over a decade at this place, my eyes were opened to its cultish ways. Let me get to my point. At this place (and I suspect there are others) reading anything other than the Bible was discouraged. Obviously, not everyone is involved in a cult. But, could it be that many Christians battle guilt if they are not reading their Bibles as much/more than other selections? This could help determine how lucrative the Christian novel biz is or isn't.

I dunno. Pardon my pre-coffee-quota ramblings. I do enjoy your perspectives and fervor.

Thanks to the one person who gave me ideas. Perhaps few people use this forum, which explains why no one else offered title suggestions. I would hate to think the alternative is true - that there is no Christian fiction being written today that anyone will care to read a hundred years from now.

How did we go from creating some of the best art, music, and literature in the history of humanity to being a cultural joke? Surely Christianity must be more than fire-insurance!_________________Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter East.

It did not occur to me before (not sure why), but I googled science fiction reformed alternative to left behind and actually got a hit

The Discipling of Mytra

It says it is a Christian novel. Does anyone know anything about it?_________________Where sky and water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet,
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find all you seek,
There is the utter East.

I don't know if anyone mentioned these books, but have you tried the Dragon Keeper series? They are Christian fantasy books. Perhaps more of girl books, but I know some guys who enjoyed them too. There are about 5 good sized books, so if you want something to read, try those! They are by Donita K. Paul.